:Mumbai, 11th January, 2026

Mumbai witnessed the fifth edition of the Tri-Services Veterans Day Parade at Marine Drive on Sunday, 11 January 2026, from 0800 hrs to 1100 hrs, ahead of the annual Veterans Day on 14 January. The event was flagged off by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, AVSM, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Senior officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with other dignitaries, were also present.

More than 500 veterans, including gallantry award winners, octogenarians and nonagenarians, participated in the parade, reaffirming Mumbai’s distinction as the only city in the country to host a city-level parade to commemorate Veterans Day. The parade commenced from the NCPA end of Marine Drive, covered a stretch of nearly two kilometres, and concluded at NCPA, where felicitation functions were held.

Veterans, dressed smartly and wearing their medals, were warmly cheered by families, citizens and bystanders along the Marine Drive promenade. Patriotic slogans, informal interactions, and applause marked the occasion. The presence of the military band, NCC and SCC cadets, and members of the serving community added colour and inspiration to the event. The Chief Guest also walked a few steps alongside veterans, Veer Naris, and ex-servicemen as a mark of solidarity.

 

Tri-Services Veterans Day commemorates the contributions of India’s veterans and marks the retirement of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, on 14 January 1953. The event also aims to strengthen the bond between citizens and soldiers, create awareness about veterans’ sacrifices, and inspire youth to join the Armed Forces or undertake national service.

The parade was conducted by the Navy Foundation Mumbai Chapter (NFMC) as the lead agency, with active support from Headquarters Western Naval Command. Notable participants included Captain Raj Mohindra (Retd), aged 92, Commander Vijay Vadhera (Retd), Vir Chakra awardee Commander Anoop Verma, Lt Cdr Farokh Tarapore, Arjuna Award winner and Asian Games medallist, among several other decorated veterans.

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PIB Mumbai | Sriyanka Chatterjee/Robin Singh/Parshuram Kor

 

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